Jane Rose I HAD TO DIG SO DEEP JUST TO COMPLETE THAT RACE I DON’T EVEN KNOW HOW I DID IT!
This issue’s Warrior Jane Rose has a lot coming up in 2024 – and we mean A LOT! – but there’s something about her enthusiasm, modesty, determination and passion that makes us sure she’ll smash it out of the park
Words: Rachel Ifans
warrior
Jane Rose is one of those women who surprises you. You start off talking like you’re on the same level – loves running, ran a bit at school, started running more in lockdown, adores it but finds it hard to fit among the kids and work… You know the drill, right? Jane did her first 5K in 2016, then a 10K in 2018… she was bitten by the bug and found it a great escape from real life and a way to see friends and give herself some space. Still relatable, yes?
But then, as you talk, details unfold and you begin to realise you are talking to someone rather extraordinary, a bit of an actual superstar.
In March 2022, Jane did her first half, then her first marathon and her first ultra and now she’s training for a clutch of huge races including Country to Capital in January 2024, The Speed Project at the end of March, followed by the London Marathon in April and Race to the King in June. All in the first six months of 2024!
Back up, back up, Jane, you absolute warrior – let’s start with Country to Capital.
Conquering heroine
It’s a 70K ultra that goes from Wendover Woods to Little Venice in London, mostly on trails and towpaths. Jane is doing this with a group of women from Black Girls Do Run UK. She says: “We’ll start at 7am and I think we’ll be going most of the day. Everybody’s running it at their own pace but groups will undoubtedly form and no one will be left alone.”
Jane was a sprinter at school and has always been interested in competitive sports, particularly in exercising outdoors. She is 50 years old and has only been running longer distances for the past few years but she’s done enough to know that roads and tracks are not where it’s at for her these days.
She says: “Trail stuff is where I feel really comfortable. I don't feel as much pressure as I did when I was sprinting. I think it’s because everybody's doing their own thing. Also, I know I’m never going to be the winner so my aim is just to get around in one piece and ultimately to be able to take part in my next venture.”
Speed demon
Talking of next ventures, let’s t
